The 2016 NAPA 401(k) Summit is on a record-setting trajectory — registrations, advisor attendees, sponsorships — and in another very important aspect as well.
An integral part of the planning for the NAPA 401(k) Summit has been the selection of a charitable sponsorship — a way in which those who come to learn, share and network can also give back to the community that supports our taking up temporary residence there. In the past that has included support to organizations like MoneyThink, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Rebuilding Together New Orleans. This year, as we take over Music City Center for our annual event, it seemed appropriate to combine our charitable efforts with Nashville’s (and our) love of music… and we couldn’t be more excited about how it will all “play” out in not one, but two very entertaining ways.
While visiting Nashville during our planning phase, we discovered the W.O. Smith Music School. Established in 1984, this community-driven organization provides affordable, quality music education to children from low-income families throughout Nashville and the surrounding area who would otherwise be unable to afford instruction. Those qualifying to attend the school only pay 50 cents per lesson! The school’s faculty is comprised of generous community volunteers, and all of the instruments and materials are loaned to the students at no additional cost.
If you’ve ever sensed the power of music, you can probably understand how influential this program is for these children. NAPA sees this too, and that is why we’ll be donating $10,000 to the W.O. Smith Music School to support their truly inspiring mission. As a special treat, the school’s house band, comprised of eight current students, will be performing during our Welcome Reception on Sunday, April 17 at 5:00 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall. This will be a great addition to the festivities that evening — and we know you’ll want to come and support them with your attendance.
You can find out more about the W. O. Smith Music School at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr162_y-ogs.
If that isn’t enough, we have more love to give! As you have surely heard by now, Charles Esten (a.k.a. Deacon Claybourne from the hit TV show “Nashville”) will be providing NAPA 401(k) Summit attendees with an exclusive open air concert during our NAPA Nashville Block Party being held outside between Music City Center and the Omni Downtown Nashville hotel on Monday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m.
What you might not know, however, is that Charles is a national spokesperson and supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This charity’s mission became a personal one to Charles after his daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2-1/2. She has fully recovered, in no small part due to research funded by LLS. And we are happy to lend our support to this worthwhile cause by donating $10,000 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on Charles’ behalf.
You can check out a personalized welcome from “Deacon” to the NAPA 401(k) Summit at https://youtu.be/jl59291eqp8.
So there you have it… Two magnificent charities. Two exciting musical performances. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2016 NAPA 401(k) Summit and spreading some love and music in the great city of Nashville. As they say, “Be there or be square!”
